"Hamas's final position is that we don't agree to the formation of a government that does not include a Ministry for Prisoners Affairs," Abu Zuhri said.

The Hamas spokesman said his movement would consider Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas's announcement of the new government a "unilateral" step. Hamas, he added, will not recognize this announcement.

During the cabinet meeting, the ministers agreed to completely halt negotiations with the Palestinian Authority as long as it remains united with terror organization Hamas and to lower the amount of money transferred to the PA.